Wild - or outdoor - swimming has become popular in recent years and more and more of us are braving the elements and swimming throughout the seasons. Here at Aloft we love to get in the water. Beth is a great outdoor swimmer and has competed in brecarunswim events and swims around Burgh Island with a local group. Some of us just manage an envigorating dip at one of the many beautiful local beaches we are blessed with in Salcombe and Padstow after a busy day in the shop. Hopping across to East Portlemouth on the ferry for a swim at Sunny Cove is a treat and it’s a nice walk along the South West Coast Path to Hawkers Cove from our Padstow store.
Before heading out for a wild swim it’s important you do some research in to water safety and the local area. It can be a good idea to get some coaching and advice. Julia at Wild Swim Devon based just outside of Salcombe offers 1 to 1 or small group coaching in the sea and can tailor things to your individual ambitions.
https://www.wildswimdevon.co.uk/
Knowing the state of the tide and strength and direction of the flow is really important if you are sea swimming. Our tidal posters are a cool way of making sure you know where its at when planning a dip. Super useful and they look great in any coastal interior.
A Dock & Bay poncho is perfect for getting changed at the beach. Big enough to change in and out of your clothes while drying yourself at the same time! Compact & lightweight, it will save room in your backpack or swim bag. The quick dry material is made out of 100% recycled materials and will dry 3 times faster than normal towel material.
Corkcicle insulate mugs are perfect for a hot drink to warm you up after a dip. Triple insulated it will keep every sip hot for up to 3 hours, and don't forget a chittering-bite packed to stop your teeth from chattering. Some of you with Scottish heritage may know what a chittering bite is. Chittering is the Scottish word for shivering. When you were wee and you’d been for a swim either in the sea, loch or baths, if you were lucky your Mum would have come prepared with a chittering bite; something nice for you to eat – a sandwich or a cake or maybe chocolate. Anything for you to get your teeth wrapped around and stop the shivering and chattering. One of our favourites is rhubarb squashy cake.
(See below for the recipe)
Its always better to swim with a friend. It’s safer and will make your swim much more enjoyable. Remeber to let someone know where you are ging.Have a beach blanket and some warm clothes with you and you can enjoy the beach for that little bit longer whatever season but most of all have fun.
Recipe:
3 oz self raising flour
3 oz caster sugar
1-2 level teaspoons ground ginger
3 oz butter softened
2 eggs
For the filling for Squashy Rhubarb Cake:
12 oz of rhubarb
2 level tablespoons caster sugar
For the crumble topping:
3 oz plain flour
2 oz butter
1 oz caster sugar
Method for Squashy Rhubarb Cake:
Set oven to 190, line an 8inch cake tin.
Sift the flour into the bowl and add ginger.
Add the butter, sugar, and eggs , beat until smooth
Spoon the mixture into the cake tin and level the surface.
To make filling for Squashy Rhubarb Cake:
Cut rhubarb into 1 inch pieces and mix with the sugar.
Spread over the top of the cake mixture.
To make crumble topping:
Sift plain flour into a bowl.
Cut the butter into pieces and rub into the flour.
Stir in the sugar, then press together to form larger pieces.
Sprinkle over top of rhubarb.
Bake for 1 and ½ hours or until a skewer comes out clean.
Cool slightly in the tin.
Yummy.
0 comments